Texas politicians are opposing efforts by the State Fair of Texas to make the 2024 event safer.
As part of a series of new protocols, in 2024, fairgoers will not be permitted to bring firearms, knives, batons, explosive devices, ammunition, chemical dispensing devices, replicas or weapons of any kind onto the entire fairgrounds, including Cotton Bowl Stadium – even for holders of a firearm permit, firearm ownership card, concealed firearm permit or firearm permit to openly carry firearms.
The new rule is a response to an incident at the fair in 2023 in which three people were injured when someone opened fire in the food court. Previously, the fair allowed the concealed carry of weapons for self-defense by licensed concealed permit holders.
According to the Texas Tribune, 71 state legislators and Republican candidates for the House of Representatives signed a petition saying the new rule makes the fair “less safe” because “gun-free zones attract crime because they pose less of a threat to those who are up to no good.”
The politicians listed below are threatening legislative action, stating in their letter: “Their actions raise questions about whether legislation is needed in the next legislative session to better protect these rights on publicly managed lands.”
The fair responded by explaining that it was pursuing a similar policy to most mass events these days.
“The State Fair of Texas spends millions of dollars on security measures each year. In addition, the Dallas Police Department maintains a field station in Fair Park. In total, more than 200 uniformed and armed DPD officers and members of the State Fair Safety Team patrol the fairgrounds whenever the gates are open. We take State Fair security very seriously and will continue to do so.”
Other new measures include a redesigned entrance area with cameras at the entrances and a limit on bag size. The politicians had no problem with that. Phew.
Bags
Approved bags include totes and soft-shell coolers 9″ x 10″ x 12″ or less, medical bags, and parent/childcare bags. Cooler bags must contain ice packs or packaged ice; loose ice is no longer allowed.
Also new this year: a 24-hour State Fair Command Center that serves as a central hub for operational communications and where event oversight and incident reporting, tracking and resolution take place.
Newly designed gate entrance
When attendees arrive, they will see signs informing them of what to expect at the inspection, including information about prohibited items, rules of conduct, and that all bags/carts/coolers may be searched.
Guests are guided through weapons detection technology that scans for dangerous weapons in the presence of a licensed and trained security officer. The security screening process is recorded to confirm that security personnel are following best practices.
Texas-themed signs will be placed at major pedestrian entrances to help visitors remember where their cars are parked.
Minors
They will also continue their “Minors After 5pm Policy” introduced in 2023: Starting at 5pm daily, all minors ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or accompanying adult (21+) when entering the fair, and an ID check will be conducted. Parents, legal guardians or accompanying adults may not accompany more than six minors ages 17 and under. Once on the fairgrounds, the parent, legal guardian or accompanying adult is not required to stay with the minors.
The 2024 State Fair of Texas will be held Friday, September 27 through Sunday, October 20.
The full list includes Daniel Alders, Trent Ashby, Keith Bell, Bud Buckley, Greg Bonnen, Ben Bumgarner, Dustin Burrows, Briscoe Cain, Giovanni Capriglione, David Cook, Pat Curry, Mana DeAyala, James Frank, Frederick Frazier, Gary Gates, Stan Gerdes, Craig Goldman, Bob Hall, Kelly Hancock, Sam Harless, Cody Harris, Caroline Harris Davila, Brian Harrison, Richard Hayes, Cole Hefner, Hillary Hickland, Justin Holland, Janis Holt, Lacey Hull, Todd Hunter, Carrie Isaac, Jacey Jetton , Ken King, Stan Kitzman, Stan Lambert, Brooks Landgraf, Jeff Leach, Terri Leo Wilson, Mitch Little, David Lowe, Shelley Luther, Don McLaughlin, Will Metcalf, Mayes Middleton, Geanie Morrison, Candy Noble, Tim Oliverson, Angelia Orr, Jared Patterson, Dennis Paul, Charles Perry, Glen Rogers, Matt Schaefer, Nate Schatzline, Matt Shaheen, Joanne Shofner, Shelby Slawson, Reggie Smith, David Spiller, Drew Springer, Lynn Stucky, Valoree Swanson, Carl Tepper, Kronda Thimesuch, Ed Thompson, Steve Toth, Ellen Troxclair, Gary Vandeaver, Cody Vasut and Wes Virdell.
